The Forum of South East Academic Doctors (FOSAD) has strongly criticised the alleged sexual harassment of a female undergraduate by a lecturer at the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN).
This development is coming after the management of the University had suspended Mr Mfonobong David Udoudom, the accused lecturer in the school who was caught on tape harassing a female student.
Udoudom’s suspension had taken effect immediately and would continue pending the outcome of a disciplinary panel constituted by the University to probe the incident.
However, according to a statement released on Tuesday evening by the Forum of South East Academic Doctors, the incident highlighted the urgent need for universities and educational institutions to enforce severe policies and procedures to address and prevent address sexual harassment.
The statement which was signed by its Secretary General, Dr Uzor Ngoladi, had also called for a thorough and impartial investigation into the matter, while pleading with the university management to take swift action to ensure that justice is served and adequate measures, put in place to protect students from such misconduct in the future.
The statement read partly,
“The Forum of South East Academic Doctors unequivocally condemns any form of sexual harassment, particularly within academic settings. Educational institutions must be safe spaces where students can learn and grow without fear of intimidation, exploitation, or abuse. [Therefore], we stand in solidarity with the alleged victim and her family and urge the University of Nigeria, Nsukka to conduct a comprehensive investigation into this incident.”
The Forum of South East Academic Doctors had also, pledged its commitment to supporting the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in its investigation and in championing the rights and safety of all students.
